Value Scale

These players will provide immediate production
and have excellent long-term potential.

Upside Free Agents

Could emerge as every-week contributors in 1-2
weeks.

Long-Shot Free Agents

Could emerge as every-week contributors in 3-4
weeks.

Wait-and-See Free Agents

They have the potential to repeat their breakout
performance, but hold off on acquiring them for now.

One Week Wonders

Others may be singing their praise, but don’t
buy into the hype.

Elite Free Agents

Marcus Robinson, WR, Ravens
Upcoming Opponents: CIN, @OAK, @CLE
An Elite recommendation last week, Robinson backed up
last week’s breakout game with another strong performance
in Week 13. If you passed on him before, take a second
look.

Anthony Wright, QB, Ravens
Upcoming Opponents: CIN, @OAK, @CLE
Brian Billick might be experiencing a bit of déjà vu.
In 1998, he was the mastermind behind the Minnesota Vikings
team that scored the most points in NFL history. Now
with the Ravens, Billick has guided his team to consecutive
44-point performances. In the midst of all the scoring,
Anthony Wright has emerged as a solid fantasy starter.
While he only passed for 177 yards Sunday, Wright also
tossed two touchdowns. Look for another decent showing
this week against a Bengals defense that allowed 300+
yards passing to the Steelers.

Javon Walker, WR, Packers
Upcoming Opponents: CHI, @SD, @OAK
Walker has been Green Bay’s leading receiver for
the past two weeks and has scored touchdowns in consecutive
games. Since Donald Driver is failing to re-establish
himself as Brett Favre’s go-to guy, Walker has
a fair chance to close out the season with more solid
games. Green Bay’s schedule in the next few weeks
is as soft as any team in the league. Acquire Walker
this week if he’s available and begin starting
him immediately if you need a productive wideout.

Brian Finneran, WR, FalconsAlge Crumpler, TE, Falcons
Upcoming Opponents: CAR, @IND, @TAM
With Michael Vick back in the saddle, it’s time
to upgrade all of Atlanta’s pass catchers. Finneran
and Crumpler may be lurking in your free agent pool.
Neither player has been consistent due to poor quarterback
play. However, Vick showed glimpses of his former self
last week, so look for an immediate increase in production.

Marty Booker, WR, Bears
Upcoming Opponents: @GB, MIN, WAS
Booker has been one of the bigger busts in 2003. He hasn’t
posted a 100-yard game all year and he’s only gone
over 60 yards once. For those reasons, he may have been
dumped in your league. If so, acquire him this week.
Booker appears to finally be healthy after battling an
ankle injury earlier in the season. Last week, he hooked
up with Kordell Stewart for a touchdown and added 44
yards receiving. Don’t be afraid to use Booker
this week. He’s had some solid games against Green
Bay, including a 12-catch, 141-yard, 1-touchdown game
last season.

Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys
Upcoming Opponents: @PHI, @WAS, NYG
Over the past two weeks, rookie tight end Jason Witten
has 14 receptions. Quincy Carter threw to him 11 times
during Thursday’s game against the Dolphins. That’s
a lot for any receiver, let alone a tight end. If you
need a capable tight end for the stretch run, Witten
should be a solid choice.

Az-zahir Hakim, WR, Lions
Upcoming Opponents: SD, @KC, @CAR
Lions starting receiver Charles Rodgers was put on IR
this week, officially ending his 2003 season. That means
Detroit will play out the year with Az-zahir Hakim as
their top receiving threat. After doing nothing for most
of the first half of the season, Hakim has generated
solid stats for three straight weeks, including 60+ yards
each week and two touchdowns. In Week 14, he faces a
San Diego defense that his given up more points than
any other team in the NFL. Acquire Hakim and start him
this week if needed.

Upside Free Agents

Curtis Conway, WR, Jets
Upcoming Opponents: @BUF, PIT, NE
The forgotten man for most of the year, Conway finally
put together a solid fantasy game Monday night against
the Titans. The former San Diego and Chicago receiver
led all Jets wideouts with 78 yards receiving and added
nice touchdown reception. Conway is a risky start until
he proves he can post decent numbers every week. However,
I like his upcoming matchups against the Bills and Steelers.
Don’t be surprised if Conway’s name continues
to be prominently displayed in future boxscores.

Richie Anderson, RB, Cowboys
Upcoming Opponents: @PHI, @WAS, NYG
Anderson was recommended by the Forecast several weeks
ago as a Long-Shot Free Agent. If you invested a roster
spot in the Dallas back, it is starting to pay off. Anderson
scored two touchdowns Thanksgiving Day against the Dolphins.
Meanwhile, Troy Hambrick had just three carries for two
yards. Anderson still isn’t getting enough touches
to be an every week fantasy contributor, but given another
week, he could become decent fantasy player.

Justin Gage, WR, Bears
Upcoming Opponents: @GB, MIN, WAS
Chicago’s fifth-round pick in the 2003 draft, Gage
has shown explosiveness since Week 7. He had his best
game of the season Sunday against the Cardinals, compiling
four receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately,
he was shut out the previous two weeks and lacks the
consistency to occupy a starting spot at this point.
Acquire him this week and see what he does against the
Packers. If he catches four or more passes again, he’s
probably worth a start in Week 15 against the soft Vikings
defense.

Long-Shot Free Agents

None

Wait-and-See Free Agents

Brock Forsey, RB, Bears
Upcoming Opponents: @GB, MIN, WAS
Like Justin Gage, Forsey is a rookie. Like Justin Gage,
Forsey had a huge game Sunday (127 yards and a touchdown).
Unlike Justin Gage, Forsey isn’t a good bet to
have a repeat performance before the season is over.
Starter Anthony Thomas was scratched from last week’s
game with pneumonia, but is expected to return in Week
14. Monitor the news early in the week. If it doesn’t
look like Thomas will be ready to go, Forsey is worth
a start against Green Bay. Otherwise, look elsewhere
for running back talent.

Jay Fiedler, QB, Dolphins
Upcoming Opponents: @NE, PHI, @BUF
After a five-week stint on the bench, Fiedler reclaimed
his starting job in Week 13. He did not disappoint Miami
fans, leading the Dolphins to a Thanksgiving Day romp
over the Cowboys. Fiedler connected with Chris Chambers
on three touchdown passes and scored one on the ground.
In recent years, Fiedler has been a decent spot starter
for fantasy owners. He may continue to thrive in that
role. Unfortunately, the Dolphins face some tough, tough
defenses in the coming weeks. Wait and see if he can
repeat his performance this week against the Patriots.

One Week Wonders

Mike Cloud, RB, Patriots
Upcoming Opponents: MIA, JAC, @NYJ
The Forecast was high on Cloud earlier this season, but
he never emerged as New England’s starting running
back. However, he was activated this week because head
coach Bill Belichick wanted to utilize his speed on the
turf in Indianapolis. Cloud wasn’t able to gain
much yardage, but he did score two goal line touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Cloud will probably be replaced this week
by Antowain Smith when the Patriots return home.

Terry Jones, TE, Ravens
Upcoming Opponents: CIN, @OAK, @CLE
Who knew the Ravens had a tight end other than Todd Heap?
Jones caught two passes for 12 yards and a touchdown
Sunday, but isn’t worth a roster spot.

Kyle Brady, TE, Jaguars
Upcoming Opponents: HOU, @NE, NO
Brady is another tight end who caught a touchdown Sunday,
and he’s another tight end who isn’t consistent
enough to merit a roster spot.